Garden Organic has received £804,994 from the Big Lottery Fund and is now in the process of contacting every London school to find out how much children are involved in food growing. It will then support them in either starting up cultivation projects or developing existing ones.

The charity is hoping for a good response to its Food Growing Schools: London project, and aims to have all schools in the capital growing their own food within three years.

Colette Bond, head of education, said: “We know that growing your own food has lots of benefits – health, environment, community and education – so being able to support schools and the wider community to start or develop their growing is fantastic.”

Schools that get involved will be given a helping hand with developing a volunteer network and creating links with supporting companies and groups.

There will also be training opportunities for school staff and volunteers, and support to find funding for growing food.